team

Bedford Blues returned to training at the weekend and it was the first time that new fitness and conditioning coach Paddy Hogben has had the chance to cast his eye over the squad. Hogben, who worked in a similar position at Bath Rugby Club between 2004 and 2008, picks up the fitness reigns from Jamie Bain who left Goldington Road at the end of the season to take up a new role at Gloucester rugby Club. Speaking after training on Saturday morning, Hogben said:

Overall I’m really impressed with the level of fitness that the players have and they all seem in really good shape after the summer break.

The leading rugby teams in Bedford are joining up to ensure that the best emerging talent continues to be developed in the town.

Bedford Blues, Bedford Athletic and Junior Blues have been working for some time to produce a plan which will see all three organisations working closer together for the good of rugby in the town. The relationship will provide an opportunity for rugby players to continue playing in a safe environment whilst having access to a high level of coaching, to act as a structured feeder system to ultimately provide the opportunity to play for Bedford Blues.